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Arsenal have received a significant fitness boost as Mikel Merino appears to be making faster-than-expected progress in his recovery from foot surgery.
The Spanish midfielder has been sidelined since undergoing surgery on a rare foot injury sustained during Arsenal’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in January. The setback has seen Merino miss 19 matches, with initial concerns that he might not return before the end of the campaign.
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However, recent images from Arsenal’s Colney training ground on Friday showed the 28-year-old no longer wearing the protective boot or using crutches that had been necessary during the early stages of his rehabilitation. The development suggests Merino is closing in on a return to action sooner than anticipated.
Arteta optimistic about recovery timeline
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Manager Mikel Arteta provided an encouraging update on Merino’s condition earlier this month, highlighting the player’s positive response to both the surgery and rehabilitation process.
“He’s going to push every boundary,” Arteta explained. “He’s out of his boot, doing quite a lot of exercises already. He reacted really well to the surgery and he’s got no pain. I’m sure there is a chance to make that period shorter – if there is a person that can make that shorter, it’s Mikel.”
The timing of Merino’s potential return could prove crucial for both club and country. The midfielder is reportedly pushing to regain fitness in time to feature in Spain’s World Cup squad this summer, adding extra motivation to his recovery efforts.
Arsenal need reinforcements for title push
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Merino’s return would provide Arsenal with a much-needed boost as the Premier League title race intensifies. The Gunners currently lead the table but face mounting pressure from Manchester City, who have been closing the gap in recent weeks.
[According to the Evening Standard](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/merino-injury-latest-arsenal-fc-b1279203.html), there is hope that Merino could be back in contention by May, potentially giving Arsenal additional midfield options during the crucial final matches of their campaign.
The Spanish international’s absence has been felt in Arsenal’s midfield, where his physicality and technical ability had begun to make an impact following his summer arrival from Real Sociedad. His return would add depth to Arteta’s options as the north London side look to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table.
Arsenal’s medical team will continue to monitor Merino’s progress closely as he works toward full fitness, with the club hoping to have their midfielder available for the season’s decisive fixtures.